Panaji, Dec 22 (UNI) Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Director General Rajendra Singh has said that addition of new vessels had helped the force maintain round-the-clock coastal security of the country.
Speaking after commissioning “ICGS SUJAY”, an Offshore Patrolling Vessel, at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) premises at Vasco in South Goa on Thursday, he said,'The Indian Coast Guard plays a major role in protecting the wide ranging maritime interests of the nation, in the maritime zones of India, and beyond. Capacity and capability building has been a continuous endeavour for the India Coast Guard since its interception in 1977. PCVs and OPVs constitute major surface platforms whereas Fast Patrol Vessels and Interceptor Boats allow close coast patrol and quick interdiction of suspect vessels in territorial waters.'
He said post 26/11, the Coast Guard was bestowed with greater responsibilities for India's Coastal Security and it redoubled its efforts at building up force levels and shore infrastructure for sustained surveillance, and for expeditiously reaching the scene of any incident, or accident.